“Have Courage and Do Not Fear the Assaults of the Devil” – Meaning (Padre Pio)
“Have courage and do not fear the assaults of the devil. Remember this forever: it is a healthy sign if the devil shouts and roars around your conscience, since this shows that he is not inside your will.”
— Padre Pio
“Have courage and do not fear the assaults of the devil” reveals Padre Pio’s deep insight into spiritual struggle — a reminder that temptation and inner battles are not signs of failure, but often signs that the soul is resisting evil and striving toward God.
Who Said “Have Courage and Do Not Fear the Assaults of the Devil”?
This quote is attributed to Padre Pio (1887–1968), the Capuchin friar known for his profound spiritual wisdom, guidance in confession, and his own intense battles against spiritual trials.
What Does “Have Courage and Do Not Fear the Assaults of the Devil” Mean?
Padre Pio teaches that spiritual attacks — doubts, temptations, fears — are not proof that something is wrong with your faith. In fact, they can be a sign that your heart is resisting what is not of God.
The image of the devil “shouting and roaring” suggests noise, disturbance, and pressure — something external trying to gain entry. But if it remains outside the will, it has not conquered the soul.
This quote brings clarity and peace: struggle does not equal defeat. The very presence of resistance shows that grace is at work.
Padre Pio encourages us to remain steady, not discouraged. Courage in these moments is not the absence of struggle, but the refusal to give in to it.
Why This Quote Still Matters Today
Many people feel discouraged by inner battles, thinking they are failing when they struggle. Padre Pio offers a different perspective — one filled with hope.
The fight itself can be a sign that the heart belongs to God.
To walk more deeply with this wise and steadfast saint, explore our 30-day devotional,
Walking with Padre Pio
— a daily journey of courage, prayer, and trust in spiritual trials.